Ideas for Coverting a Coffee Table Into an Ottoman

Ottomans are a great way to create additional seating in your room. You can convert an old coffee table into an ottoman and customize the additional seating to match the rest of your decor. With a few simple ideas, you'll be on your way to making a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Constructed Ottoman

Use an old coffee stable as a sturdy base for a constructed ottoman.

Create a constructed ottoman by using an old coffee table as a sturdy base for your project. Cut the legs of the table to approximately 4 inches high to create your ottoman's feet. Then build a wood box approximately 12 inches high in the same size of the coffee table surface. Secure the wood box to the table top by screwing them together from the underside.

Finish your ottoman by wrapping it with two layers of thick batting material and the fabric of your choice stapled to the underside of the table.

Slipcover Ottoman

Make a slipcover to turn a coffee table into a ottoman.

An easy ottoman makeover can be created with a slipcover to fit over the top of an old coffee table. Use a thick upholstery fabric for your project that will be able to withstand wear and tear as a seating unit.

Measure your table carefully and sew a slipcover with a tight and tailored look. Since you don't have to attach the slipcover to the ottoman, you can change the color and pattern as often as you like.

Padded Seat Ottoman

Use upholstery foam to create a padded seat ottoman.

Create a padded seat ottoman with a thick piece of upholstery foam. Purchase a piece of plywood from your local home improvement store and cut it slightly larger than the size of your coffee table top for an ottoman base. Then cut a piece of 5- or 6-inch thick upholstery foam the same size of your plywood base. Attach the foam to the plywood and wrap the foam with your favorite fabric, stapling the fabric to the plywood. Finish your ottoman by screwing the padded base to your coffee table top from the underside.

Fringed Ottoman

Embellish an ottoman with store-bought fringe or homemade tassles.

If you have a round coffee table, you can create a fringed ottoman with the padded seat ottoman design above. Just dress your project with a long, fancy fringe attached to the outer perimeter of your padded ottoman with upholstery tacks.

You can purchase long, decorative fringe at your local fabric store or you can make your own by creating long homemade tassles with inexpensive yarn. Just sew your tassles to a wide ribbon and attach it to your ottoman with upholstery tacks.